Lunch at The Angel

First stop at The Nags Head

After setting off in cloudy conditions from Lloyd's of London on the morning of Thursday 3rd September we reached our first stop in Essex on the 20 mile mark with everybody still in tact. The sun began to "shine" so off we rode through the Essex countryside into Kelvedon where an outstanding lunch was waiting for us at The Angel pub - a big thank you to Alli MacLean of ARK for picking up the tab. We then set off towards Harwich for the final leg in UK followed by a few beers at The Castle pub before boarding the Stena Line Ferry after a 90 minute delay. Dinner was served, which was desperately needed and then some sleep ready for the Netherlands journey. Once again, the fine dulcet tunes of Bobby McFerrin woke us singing "Don't Worry, Be Happy" and we were up in time for breakfast then departure. Michel was waiting at the Hook of Holland and the clouds were looking grey and rain was looming. We set off into the Netherlands, only to be halted after 14 miles by our first puncture (Jim) which was expertly handled by Roland Fox whilst the rest of us kept warm and observed!! Then came the RAIN and wind which was something we really did not need. Torrential conditions continued for much of the next 50 miles as we needed to push on having lost a lot of time already. The rain jackets were doing their job, the bikes were crying with the grit and mud clunking in the chain but on we continued until we hit lunch just outside Zeist. Pasta was the order of the day, although we were surprised there was much left after Roland Fox had piled his plate so high! So again we got going and again the RAIN did not let up. One quick stop for a much needed beer and superb apple turnover handmade by Susanne's Mum then the final 14 mile leg into Arnhem to be great by Gilly and Susanne which was a fantastic surprise and perfect way to end a tough day's cycling in such damp conditions. Well done Team Shine for all the support and commitment you showed over the 2 days. We have so far raised close to £8,000 including the Gift Aid plus Tokio Marine monies so another brilliant achievement by every single one of us. Huge thanks go to Alli Mac and Michel for being such expert support drivers, Patrick at Cafe Hekking for giving us the beers for free, the owner at Cafe Arnhem for picking up the dinner tab on Friday evening and then finally to Gilly, Mike and Jean for meeting us in Arnhem at the Finish Line. Was a great surprise and a really perfect way to complete the ride... Roll on 2016!!